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Vaiko, Nedumaran statements no threat to defence: PUCL

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI AUG. 17 . The People's Union for Civil Liberties has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all the detenus, including the MDMK general secretary, Vaiko, and the Tamil Nationalist Movement leader, P. Nedumaran.

In a press release here, the PUCL general secretary, V. Suresh, advocated the repeal of the POTA, which ``vitiated'' the democratic atmosphere and constitutional freedom.

Citing landmark Supreme Court judgments, he said the police should not resort to arrest unless there was a reasonable fear that the accused might evade trial, destroy material evidence or intimidate witnesses. ``The State Government decision to arrest these leaders is at variance with the apex court ruling and constitutes a brazen abuse of power.''

Merely expressing support in a general way for an organisation, as opposed to a specific activity, and that too for an organisation which was effectively not operating on Indian soil could hardly be considered a threat to the nation.

Pointing out the declared Union Government's position that the POTA was an `extraordinary legislation' to deal with `extraordinary situations' threatening the defence of the country, Mr. Suresh said the statements of Mr. Vaiko, Mr. Nedumaran and Mr. Suba Veerapandian, an office-bearer of the Tamil Nationalist Movement who was arrested yesterday, were neither new nor extraordinary, nor manifestly a threat to the defence of India.

The arrests only vindicated the apprehensions of POTA opponents that a law with sweeping and draconian provisions was inherently contrary to the rule of law and offered an easy opening for legitimising repression, the PUCL general secretary noted.

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